New rock and pop releases out this week

Our expert music critics spin through the week's essential new releases from Midlake to Kesha

Midlake
I’m sure I won’t be the only critic to suggest that, never mind the courage
of others, the real bravery here is being shown by Midlake. Having
garnered critical acclaim and impressive sales with the 1970s soft
rock of The Trials of Van Occupanther, the Texas band have junked that
sound and turned their attention to the 1960s British folk-rock
scene for inspiration. So now they have to prove themselves all over
again. The opening track, Acts of Man, is pretty, and raises your
hopes that the new sound might work, but quickly everything starts
to seem very samey. Tracks drift by in a pleasant enough way, but
limited dynamics and generally despairing lyrical themes of the
destruction of the old ways and the loss of innocence make this a
difficult album to engage with. Confirmed fans may find it grows on
them, but it’s unlikely to win new